GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Mo Trafeh, who set the 25K American record at the Fifth Third River Bank Run, has retired from competition following admission that he purchased the banned performance-enhancing drug EPO, or Erythropoietin.

Trafeh, an eight-time U.S. road champion from California, set the 25K record at the Grand Rapids race in 2013 but the mark was tied in May at the River Bank Run by Christo Landry.

“Against my better judgment and after hours of discussions, I made an unwise decision to purchase EPO, a USOC banned substance, so that I could train in effort to return to my previous form. During my return trip home after purchasing the EPO, I was stopped by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and they discovered the banned substance.”

The statement later said Trafeh only purchased the drug, but did not take it.

His mark at the River Bank Run will likely stand, race director Kristen Aidif said Thursday, since protocol dictated Trafeh be drug tested for the record. Aidif also said a representative from USA Track & Field was on hand for testing.

Aidif said River Bank Run officials will contact the track and field association "just to make sure."

"Barring anything unexpected, his record would stand with us," she said.

Trafeh, who immigrated to U.S. from Morocco, won the River Bank Run 25K on May 11, 2013 in an American record time of 1 hour, 14 minutes and 18 seconds, surpassing the 1:14:21 set by Fernando Cabada in 2006.

There is no indication when or where the incident occurred with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Letsrun.com said that it received the statement from lawyer Jonathan LaCourt last week. A story on the site indicated writers there submitted follow-up questions, and received a reply on Thursday.

“An announcement will be made by USADA by week’s end,” LaCour said in reply.

Here is the complete statement from Trafeh through his lawyer, as posted on Letsrun.com.:

“As an elite runner, former U.S. Road Champion, and proud-USA representative, it is with great sadness that I announce my retirement. As many of you might recall, I had many great years of injury-free and successful running that allowed me to acquire several road racing and track & field wins. Unfortunately, and as many elite athletes have experienced before me, a number of frustrating and serious injuries have plagued my ability to train, race, and remain competitive over the course of these past eighteen months. Against my better judgment and after hours of discussions, I made an unwise decision to purchase EPO, a USOC banned substance, so that I could train in effort to return to my previous form. During my return trip home after purchasing the EPO, I was stopped by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and they discovered the banned substance. Since that time, they have initiated formal proceedings against me and threatened to impose a lifetime ban."

“I would like to publicly state that since 2008 I have been one of the most sought after targets in our sport and have never failed a drug test. I was stopped before I was able to use EPO, I never previously used EPO and if I had the financial resources to fight this case, I am confident that I would prevail. Unfortunately, our sport does not provide the wealth that some other sports do, and for the sake of the financial future of my family, I must simply retire and take whatever steps are necessary to provide a stable and secure life. Although I would have loved to return to my old form and compete in the 2016 Olympics for the United States, it was not meant to be.

"Track & Field has been the sole focus of my life for a long time. I will miss the moments of triumph and joy, the friends I made along the way, and the ability to represent my country as a first generation American trying to live his dream."